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Cannon Airman lives 'excellence in all we do'

  • Published
  • By Maj. Mae-Li Allison
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A Cannon Airman has given new meaning to the Air Force core value, "excellence in all we do," after having trained thousands of hours to help his team place first in a recent armed forces triathlon, while still volunteering countless hours to the local community.

Capt. Ken Corigliano, 11th Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 2, placed 12th, with a time of 1 hour, 52 minutes and 51 seconds, in the 2010 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship June 5 at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Calif. The Air Force team took first place in every category, including the fastest male, fastest female, and overall fastest team for both male and female categories.

"This is the first time it's ever happened," said Captain Corigliano, referring to the team winning every gold medal. "This was a huge event with top athletes from all military services participating. They put in thousands of hours to train for this."

Captain Corigliano isn't just adept at conquering the grueling 1,500-meter swim, 40-km bike ride, and 10-km run that compose a triathlon, however. He is also dedicated to helping his fellow Airmen and local community members improve themselves, all free of charge.

On base, Captain Corigliano works out regularly with about 15 to 20 active-duty members, their spouses, and their children to improve their fitness levels. His workouts are varied and incorporate exercises such as running, swimming and bike riding. Also, most of the people he works with are already in good shape and just want to get in better shape, something the captain calls "optimizing performance."

"I just want to help people be as good as they can be," he said. "I teach people that you can't just do a type of exercise sometimes and expect to be good at it. For example, if you want to be a good runner, you have to make running a lifestyle and do it all the time."

Off base, Captain Corigliano volunteers nearly daily at the Clovis Aquatic Center, acting as the assistant coach for the Clovis swim team and the head coach for the triathlon and multi-sport teams. Boys and girls ranging from elementary-school age to high-school age participate, he said.

The captain has also his extended his realm of influence via the internet. He shares his fitness training calendar with others and has also produced YouTube videos in which he gives running and nutrition tips.

Captain Corigliano says he is more than happy to share his love of fitness with others.

"Everyone should have a chance to be great," he said. "It just takes hard work."